Box Hill School
Meet IB Coordinator Julian Baker at Box Hill School, England. Julian has spent 16 years at Box Hill and 20 years in education, and, like many experienced teachers, had become accustomed to traditional textbooks and methods of formative evaluation. CD-ROMs accompanied hard copy textbooks, but beyond that, the school had yet to adopt digital learning. However, once Julian took a look at what Kognity offered in terms of interactivity, student-centered learning and student monitoring, he quickly understood the huge potential.
Challenge: Making digital learning easy
Box Hill School is an independent coeducational school 40 minutes outside of London, near Dorking, England. With a student body of 425 pupils, ages range from 11-18, and Box Hill’s Sixth Form offers both A-levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB). At first Julian Barker was sceptical. However, once Julian took a look at what Kognity’s all-in-one platform offered in terms of interactivity, student-centered learning and student monitoring, he quickly understood the huge potential.
It makes sense economically
“It’s very practical,” reports Julian and “the most cost-effective way to provide textbooks for students”. The Senior Management Team appreciate that Kognity’s value aligns with the school’s budget and that moving away from textbooks makes sense economically.
“It’s straightforward,” adds Julian “to purchase Kognity and get set up.” Once the school pays a flat rate for students, all teachers get free access. Kognity improves communication amongst the team too. Everything about Kognity is “slick” he comments “and done so efficiently”.
Putting teachers and students in the driver’s seat
Kognity “puts the student in control” by tailoring to their different learning preferences says Julian. And Kognity gives teachers more agency too. Teachers monitor student progress at a glance with checkpoint questions and dynamic strength bars. Follow-up tests examine students’ weaknesses and teachers can accurately adjust their methodology to match the needs of individuals. And just as using Kognity allows for greater ease in tracking student learning, it fosters independence and autonomy.
“Kognity’s interactive model puts student engagement at the forefront with both teachers and students at the wheel.”
Students learn at their own pace and in the ways they know best. This improves metacognition in teaching students to be aware of how they think. Kognity’s interactive model puts student engagement at the forefront with both teachers and students at the wheel.
Kognity results in all students passing!
After implementing Kognity, the IB Coordinator reported that 100% of students using Kognity for an entire year passed the course and that he observed that the weaker students received particular benefit.
100% of students using Kognity for an entire year passed the course!
Part of those extraordinary results might be attributed to how much students enjoy using Kognity, as well as its versatility. Another factor might be that Kognity’s digital technology encourages learner autonomy. If students have access round-the-clock and can interact with a subject topic online, they are more likely to invest in their studies with curiosity and interest.
No more heavy textbooks
International students, of whom there are many at Box Hill, can freely access their learning material “anywhere in the world.” They don’t need to carry heavy textbooks home with them for the holidays. Both teachers and students can take part in what feels like a tight and closely observed circle of learning through a tablet.
“Teenagers are not inspired by weighty books! We should be moving in this direction.”
A stronger community
Once Box Hill teachers adopted Kognity, not only did communication improve amongst staff, it made them feel part of a wider learning community. “Even though you don’t know the people at the other end,” says Julian, “it’s like becoming a part of a big family.”
“Kognity made teachers feel part of a wider learning community.”
Teachers can keep an eye on whether students have read the class material, which increases student engagement. Although Julian is aware of “the dangers of being transfixed by mobile phones and social media,” the school recognises that using technology for education encourages a healthy approach to digital literacy.
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